August 14, 2012 Newsletter
Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:- Exceptional value wines – five wines earned the
icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’; prices range $8.90 to $17.95 – one in August 18 Vintages Release, three in New in LCBO Portfolio and one in New in Private Order - Finding Waldo x2 – 1) this Italian grape claims the name of a ewe’s milk cheese—urban legend has it sheep, ‘pecora’ in Italian—love these ripe grapes; it’s 4½ stars @ $22.95. 2) This Monastrell is $8.90 earning 4 stars and a rating.
August 18, 2012 Vintages Release
Fortified Wine - Port
Messias 10 Anos Tawny Port
Portugal $23.95 (087205) 20.0% alcohol
It's not too early to be thinking of fortified wines and winter reds and this one warrants consideration. It's chockfull of spice, caramel, marmalade, nutty and fig flavours. Wonderfully viscous and warm on the palate, it delivers a fully textured and well-structured river of treacle-like flavours that pair perfectly with spice cake, crème brûlée or a salty, aged, hard cheese like parmigiano reggiano. (Vic Harradine)
Sparkling Wine
Pierre Sparr ‘Brut Réserve’ Crémant d’Alsace Non-vintage
AOC Alsace $16.95 (173401) 12.0% alcohol
Light on its feet, yet creamy and generous, this fresh citrusy wine has fine aromas and flavours of toasted brioche, stone fruit and lemon-chiffon pie. It’s vibrant, lively and refreshing with a delicate mousse and palate-cleansing mid-length finish. It’s a great choice for a veal or pork dish. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: White Wine
Fielding Estate Pinot Gris 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.15 (251108) 12.0% alcohol
Complex, structured and brimming with finesse and charm, this is balanced, food friendly and lip-smacking good. It’s slightly bronze/pink hued and nicely perfumed with sexy aromas of honeysuckle, musky spice and honeydew melon. Fully flavoured and textured, nicely balanced and silky smooth, a persistent wash of soft tropical fruit flavours, key lime and grapefruit pith ends crisp, tangy and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
Calamus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $19.95 (285809) 12.5% alcohol
Earthy and toasty, aged 26 months in French and American oak, this wine marries aromas of herbs and roast peppers with black cherry and plum. Dry, medium bodied, with a crisp juicy texture and perceptible tannin, it offers flavours of red cherry and raspberry with a dash of pepper and a hint of spice. The lasting tangy finish makes it a match for barbequed sausages or veggies. (Susan Desjardins)
California: White Wine
Mer Soleil ‘Barrel Fermented’ Chardonnay 2009
Santa Lucia Highlands $34.95 (958975) 14.5% alcohol
Toast, vanilla and mixed spice box on the nose, the palate’s treated to a mouth-coating river of sweet, ripe tropical fruit mingling with spice-laden green apple. Medium-full bodied and nicely textured, it finishes lengthy in a blaze of tangy citrus and ripe orchard fruit. Lovely sipped on its own when welcoming guests, it also shows well matched with roast chicken or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Clare Valley, South Australia $17.95 (744235) 14.0% alcohol
Brimming with heady aromas of dark berry fruit, black licorice and mint, this rolls over the palate with endless waves of juicy, mint-laced Bing cherry and succulent black currant preserve. Wakefield’s—under the family name Taylors—one of 12 iconic, family-owned ‘Australia’s First Families of Wine’ producing wine with sense of place; in this instance, it’s Clare Valley. It’s medium-full bodied with generous mouth feel and a lingering, well-structured aftertaste that’s underpinned by ripe supple tannin, moderating acidity and more than its fair share of charm. Pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
New Zealand: White Wine
Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island $18.95 (957407) 13.5% alcohol
Nettles, savoury herbs and gooseberry aromas introduce this lively Kiwi gem. It wakes up the palate with a spirited river of tangy, lemon-lime sorbet, passion fruit and succulent white peach. It’s medium bodied, focused and finishes crisp, clean and refreshing in a blaze of zesty tang. Pour with pan-seared fish, prawns or scallops under a squish of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)
New Zealand: Red Wine
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $18.95 (590414) 13.5% alcohol
Toast, earthiness and cedar interweave with red and black currant heralding a bright, ruby-red, flavourful river of sour cherry, blueberry and spice-infused black plum. This is mid weight, nicely textured with a wisp of tannin underpinning the lengthy, dry, mouth-watering aftertaste. Very versatile—pour with roast chicken, smoked turkey, veal dishes or slow-roasted pork. (Vic Harradine)
South Africa: Red Wine
Bellingham Shiraz ‘with a splash of Viognier’ 2009
Coastal Region, South Africa $14.95 (278739) 14.0% alcohol
Über ripe flavours brimming with sweet fruit are showcased in this mid-weight, nicely textured red. Aromas of dark, dried currant and espresso roast provide segue to sweet, ripe mulberry and juicy Bing cherry washing over the palate interlaced with underbrush and kitchen spice. The lip-smacking, fruit-filled finish is underpinned by tannin and framed by good moderating acidity. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages Essentials: White Wine
• $1.00 off the following Megalomaniac price now to August 19, 2012 Megalomaniac ‘Narcissist’ Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (067587) 11.0% alcohol
A portion of the winery's proceeds are donated to the ‘Kids Health Links Foundation’. Talented Sue-Ann Staff works her considerable winemaking skill and passion fashioning this delectable, sweet and tang gem. Citrus, minerality and floral notes waft freely from the aromatic nose followed by a balanced and beautiful, palate-bathing wash of lemon-lime, white grapefruit and juicy peach on the palate. The tangy, lip-smacking aftertaste interweaves with lingering, ripe-fruit flavour. Poured well with spicy, Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)
• $2.00 off the following Oyster Bay price now to August 19, 2012
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $18.95 (316570) 13.0% alcohol
Lemon-lime citrus, grassy and pit fruit on the nose, this washes across the palate at full sail with tangy, juicy flavours of lemon drop candy, herbaceous notes and lip-smacking key lime pie flavours. Medium bodied with a silky mouth feel—consistently one of the best-tasting, best-value whites in Vintages Essentials line up. (Vic Harradine)
Conundrum 2010
California $23.95 (694653) 13.5% alcohol
The conundrum seems to be… what’s in it? The street says Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Viognier and Muscat—the LCBO site omits Sémillon. Regardless of the blend, it’s definitely off-dry with a sexy nose of exotic spice, honeysuckle and tropical fruit. Flavours of sweet nectarine, ripe pear and fig interlace with spice and citrus on the silky-smooth palate. It’s mid weight with a tangy and sweet aftertaste that pours so well alongside spicy Asian dishes like tandoori chicken. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages Essentials: Red Wine
Perrin ‘Réserve’ Côtes-du-Rhône 2010
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $15.95 (363457) 13.5%alcohol
A Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend offering up a nose of cedar, green herbs and red berry fruit mingling with kitchen spice. It’s medium-bodied with a persistent wash of red currant and cranberry mingling with savoury herbs and spice. The aftertaste is dry with mixed field berry fruit and spiced black plum underpinned by a lick of supple tannin. Try with grilled gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
New in LCBO Portfolio: Sparkling Wine
Angel’s Gate ‘Archangel’ Chardonnay Sparkling Brut 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (227009) 12.0% alcohol
Leesy, toasty and spun sugar on the nose, this leads with an energetic mousse redolent with lemon-lime, mineral notes and tangy white grapefruit. This is made in the Traditional Method—second fermentation in this bottle—and if Champagne, would be labeled ‘Blanc de Blancs’—all Chardonnay and usually the most delicate of wines. This is mid weight with a crisp, refreshing aftertaste of citrus and pit fruit. (Vic Harradine)
Beni di Batasiolo ‘Bosc DLA REI’ Moscato d’Asti 2011
DOCG Moscato d’Asti, Italy $14.95 (277194) 5.5% alcohol
This is fun, fresh and fizzy. Made from Moscato Bianco and kept to an abbreviated fermentation—hence the low alcohol and ripe fruit taste—this delivers a boatload of summer in a glass. Distinctive grape-like aromas curl around ripe orange and exotic spice heralding a refreshing river of sweet, fruit flavour—ripe pineapple, candied orange and spiced, ripe yellow peach. Delicious on its own, it also works with fruit flan and white cheesecake. (Vic Harradine)
Cono Sur ‘Sparkling Wine’ Non Vintage
DO Bio-Bio Valley, Chile $13.95 (215079) 12.0% alcohol
A blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, the nose dishes up an array of aromas—citrus, a touch of mineral and floral nuances. It hustles from the glass with loads of ripe fruit—apple pear and peach—riding a wave of zesty bubbles. This is light-mid weight with good definition on the leesy, racy, mouth-watering finish. Well paced and well priced. (Vic Harradine)
Mionetto ‘MO’ Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Non-vintage
DOC Treviso, Italy $16.95 (266023) 11.0% alcohol
This could easily be your new ‘house’ sparkling wine even if you don’t own a restaurant—it’s crisp and refreshing, value packed and simply lip-smacking good. Ripe apple and mineral-soaked pear aromas herald a profusion of bubbles on the palate with white peach and honeyed pear to the fore. It’s light-medium weight with a lengthy mouth-watering finish of citrus and spice. This is a perfect welcoming wine, aperitif or dealing with a deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
New in LCBO Portfolio: Table Wine
California: Red Wine
Smoking Loon ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2009
California $14.95 (272393) 13.9% alcohol
Black plum compote, menthol and spice mingle with tobacco aromas before unleashing a palate-coating wash of stewed prunes, figs and ripe, black cherry tart on the palate. It’s mid-full bodied, warm and brimming with sweet, ripe fruit throughout. There are dashes of Petit Syrah and Syrah adding structure and wisps of tannin. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs brushed with spicy BBQ sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Chile: White Wine
Viña Maipo ‘Vitral’ Chardonnay 2011
DO Valle de Casablanca $13.95 (270009) 13.5% alcohol
Baked apple, toast and oaky aromas herald a generous wash of spice-infused apple and yellow plum mingling with tropical fruit and toasty notes on the palate. Medium bodied and well textured, it finishes with a mid-length aftertaste of tangy citrus and wisps of oak. Pour alongside rotisserie chicken with grilled root veggies. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
Albert Bichot ‘C’est la Vie’ Pinot Noir / Syrah 2010
Vin de Pays d’Oc $11.95 (166934) 13.0% alcohol
Charry wood smoke, spice and dark berry fruit aromas herald a lively wash of sour cherry, cranberry and herbaceous notes on the palate. It’s light-medium bodied and nicely textured with hints of black currant interwoven with green herbs on the drying aftertaste. Best poured with pasta in tomato sauce or red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Georges Vigoroux ‘Pigmentum’ Malbec 2011
AOC Cahors $13.80 (255182) 13.5% alcohol
Historically pre-dating and beating the pants off most Argentine Malbec at this price, it delivers lifted aromas of berry fruit, cedar and spiced herbs before coating the palate with a peddle-to-the-metal rush of succulent black currant, spiced black plum and mocha on the palate. It’s mid-full weight and nicely textured cruising home with a lip-smacking-dry, red cherry aftertaste. ‘Pigmentum’ refers to the deep colour of Malbec—this is a must-try gem. (Vic Harradine)
Germany: White Wine
Clean Slate Riesling 2011
Mosel $12.95 (286237) 10.5% alcohol
Peach and honeysuckle on the nose, it dishes up a delicious mouthful of lemon drop candy and lip-smacking lime cordial mingling with sweetened white grapefruit. It’s all nicely balanced with good mouth feel on a light-weight frame with a crisp, refreshing aftertaste. It sports just the sweet and tang, yin and yang you need with spicy Asian cuisine—perfect with pad Thai or spicy Vietnamese noodle dishes. This is great value, give it a go. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: Red Wine
Rocca delle Macie ‘Campo Maccione’ 2008
DOCG Morellino di Scansano $12.95 (253831) 14.0% alcohol
Sandalwood, fennel and toasty aromas set up a lip-smacking wash of red and black currant and cranberry mingling with herbaceous notes on the palate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a dry, balanced finish showcasing succulent black, juicy cherry. Pour alongside pasta Bolognese or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: White Wine
Freixenet ‘Mía’ Blanco 2011
Vino de Mesa $11.95 (269605) 11.0% alcohol
Freixenet lovers, and there are legions of them, need note this is a still wine from Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parrellada and Muscat, with no bubbles here. It’s floral and citrus on the nose preceding an off-dry rush of lemongrass, lime cordial and succulent white peach flavours. It’s a light and lovely, versatile summer sipper serving as a welcoming wine or a pairing with lighter-styled appetizers. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: Red Wine
La Casona de Castaño ‘Old Vines’ Monastrell 2009
DO Yecla $8.90 (143743) 14.0% alcohol
This Monastrell, aka Mourvèdre, is one of the best-value reds found on LCBO shelves. Aromas of briary berry fruit, charred mesquite and aromatic bitters intro a balanced and beautiful wash of lively red cherry and blueberry interwoven with sprigs of herbs and hints of cassis. Mid weight, crowd pleasing and silky textured, the lengthy, lively, focused aftertaste is redolent with spiced black plum and roasted herbs. (Vic Harradine)
Gran Fuedo ‘Edicion’ Tempranillo 2010
DO Navarra $11.95 (255877) 13.0% alcohol
This is bistro-styled and fairly priced sporting aromas of cherry blossom and red and dark berry fruit. It’s light on its feet with a silky smooth delivery on the palate—cherry/berry with hints of spice. It finishes dry and tangy with good fruit flavour and a hint of supple tannin. Good to go now with burgers, wings or pizza. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries: Red Wine
Tawse Vineyard ‘Cherry Avenue’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $57.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring floral notes, sandalwood and forest floor aromas provide segue for an elegant, graceful wash of dark berry fruit, blueberry and spice-infused black plum interlaced with nuances of truffles and lip-smacking sour cherry. It’s complex and nicely textured with a dry, balanced, lengthy aftertaste underlining the purity and essence of this flagship Pinot. Drink over the next four to five years. Order by the case or mixed case (free delivery over $100) for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Vic Harradine)
New in Private Order: White Wine
Viña Barredero Zalema 2011
DO Condado de Huelva, Spain $14.25 12.0% alcohol
Zalema is the most commonly planted grape in the DO—this opens with aromas of honeyed apple, slate and pear aromas. Fresh and focused on the palate, crisp, refreshing flavours of lemon citrus and racy lime zip along garnished with nuances of tangy white grapefruit. The aftertaste is racy and lip-smacking. Pair with pan-seared salmon under a generous squish of fresh lemon. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bolfan Pinot Grigio 2011
Kontinentalna Hrvatska, Croatia $28.50 13.5% alcohol
Hints of honeysuckle and herb aromas open this light-on-its-feet, nicely textured sipper. It caresses the palate with a gentle wash of ripe lemon-lime and spice-infused yellow plum. The refreshing aftertaste is nicely balanced and fruity with its fair share of charm—pour as an aperitif or as company to wile away an afternoon. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bolfan ‘Libertin’ Riesling 2009
Kontinentalna Hrvatska, Croatia $26.50 12.5% alcohol
Interesting and idiosyncratic—this’ll appeal to enterprising Riesling lovers. Pungent aromas of petrol and slate bolt from the glass preceding a balanced rush of lime sherbet, minerality with hints of leesy notes. It’s mid weight with good texture and a lingering, lip-smacking aftertaste melding binned apple and citrus with hints of Sherry-like rancio. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bolfan Sauvignon 2009
Kontinentalna Hrvatska, Croatia $28.50 12.9% alcohol
Floral, herbaceous aromas herald a nicely textured wave of key lime and lemon curd flavours mingling with nuances of passion fruit. Light-medium bodied and racy on the palate, it broadens out on the balanced and fruit-forward aftertaste showcasing riper citrus and hints of green apple. Give it a go with grilled prawns brushed with lemon- and garlic-infused butter. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Caleis Sauvignon / Viognier 2011
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $10.95 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of citrus, nettles and pineapple provide segue for an herbaceous, racy river of lemon zest and Granny Smith apple with a white grapefruit bite on the crisp, refreshing finish. It’s light on its feet with lip-smacking acidity throughout. The perfect foil to pasta with clams in cream sauce or a pot of mussels steamed in white wine and garlic. Good value here; give it a go. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Vignoble Gibault Vançay 2011
AOC Vançay, Loire Valley, France $16.00 12.0% alcohol
This light and lively blend—80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay—sports a nose of apple, mineral notes and hints of herbs. Racy lemon and lime cordial race across the palate and linger on the crisp, refreshing aftertaste. It’s nicely balanced and quite focused—give it a go with mesclun salad lightly dressed with verjus, garnished with chèvre. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Azienda Tilli ‘Concetto’ Pecorino 2011
IGT Terre di Chieti, Italy $22.95 13.0% alcohol
Buckwheat honey, nutty nuances and orange zest aromas abound on the nose of this fully textured, satin-smooth beauty. It coats the palate with rich and robust flavours of marzipan, pineapple and citrus. Medium bodied with a lingering aftertaste, look for crisp, mouth-watering flavours of grapefruit, lemon curd and a lovely, tangy bite on the end. Perfect as an aperitif, it has the charm and oomph to pair with seafood, pasta in cream sauce or roast chicken. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Azienda Tilli ‘Lupus’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2011
DOC Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Italy $21.50 13.0% alcohol
This dishes up oodles of delicious flavour and texture with a lip-smacking lengthy aftertaste—what’s not to like? It’s 100% Trebbiano and a step above most—aromas of honeyed orchard fruit and hints of minerality spill freely from this mid-weight, fully textured gem. There are waves of ripe apple and pear with moderating citrus on the palate and dry aftertaste—it’s balanced and beautiful throughout. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from NNokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
New in Private Order: Red Wine
Bolfan ‘Primus’ Pinot Noir 2009
Kontinentalna Hrvatska, Croatia $52.50 14.7% alcohol
This is tangy, juicy and lively with a spirited, lingering, fruit-forward finish. Heady aromas of bright red cherry and ripe berry fruit herald a river of sour cherry and tart black currant garnished with toasty notes and kitchen spice. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a dry, fruity aftertaste framed by good acidity and underpinned with supple tannin and herbaceous notes. Aerate/decant three hours before serving with slow-roasted pork. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bodegas Patrocinio ‘Zinio’ Garnacha 2010
DOCa Rioja Spain $13.25 14.5% alcohol
Thought to be native to Spain, Garnacha, aka Grenache, needs a warm, lengthy, dry growing season usually resulting in high sugar converted to high alcohol reds. Mixed spice, lilac and field berry fruit on the nose, it spills over the palate with a spirited wash of ripe cherry/berry flavour balanced with mouth-watering acidity. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a fruit-filled, mid-length aftertaste underpinned by perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant for two hours or cellar 12 months before serving. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Quinta do Pinto ‘Estate Collection’ 2010
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal $21.50 14.0% alcohol
Lively aromas of dark briary berry, mixed spice and minty notes provide segue for a balanced, tangy river of black currant and dark Bing cherry on the palate. It’s medium weight with good mouth feel and a juicy, delectable aftertaste that’s fruit-forward with a moderating bite of acidity and lots of oomph. This red blend—premium Port grapes plus Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon—is very good value and pours well with grilled T-bone or roast beef. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Azienda Tilli ‘Concetto’ Merlot 2011
IGT Terre di Chieti, Italy $22.95 15.0% alcohol
A spirited (pun intended – 15% alcohol) array of aromas with stewed plums, spice cake and charry wood smoke. There’s a warm gusher of date square, raisins and mixed, dark, field berry fruit on the palate and the, surprisingly, dry finish. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture and a lingering aftertaste of black plum compote and a lick of perceptible tannin. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Azienda Tilli ‘Lupus’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2010
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $21.50 13.5% alcohol
Well paced, well priced and well… delicious. Mocha, roasted herbs and cedar on the nose, this dances over the palate with a lively, focused rush of sour cherry, black, briary berry fruit and black plum compote. It’s medium bodied and nicely textured with a juicy, balanced, fruit-forward finish of dark berry fruit and nuances of cassis. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Vic